Initiation of a Mental Health Family Navigator Model to Promote Early Access, Engagement and Coordination of Needed Mental Health Services for Children and Adolescents (R01 Clinical Trial Required)

This funding opportunity invites research applications for the establishment and evaluation of a Mental Health Family Navigator Model for children and adolescents. The announcement seeks to stimulate the development of strategies that would enable early access, involvement, and organization of required mental health services for young individuals showing early signs of mental health conditions.

NIMH, which oversees this initiative, views a Family Navigator Model as a method where a healthcare professional or paraprofessional implements a set of strategies. These strategies are designed to swiftly involve youth and their families in necessary treatment and services. The professional also collaborates closely with the family and other treatment providers to enhance care and track mental health symptoms and outcomes over time.

Applicants are urged to devise and examine the ability of these navigator models to promote early intervention and coordination of mental health services for children and adolescents once symptoms are noticed. Of particular interest are navigator models that efficiently organize necessary care strategies. Furthermore, these models should identify a personalized approach towards the level of service required, including its frequency and intensity. The utilization of innovative technologies to monitor clinical, functional, and behavioural progress in achieving planned service outcomes is also encouraged.

This opportunity is provided simultaneously with another funding opportunity identified as the companion R34.